Obama's Roots.

Monday 23rd May began with AirForce One flying into Dublin airport. Marine One took the President towards Phoenix Park where Barack Obama planted a tree before meeting Mary MacAleese and her husband Martin. The 44th President of the United States accompanied by his lovely wife Michelle visited his ancestral home, Moneygall in Ireland, which was the main event during their whole visit. Mr Obama was finally at home when he popped into Ollie Hayes's pub to drink some of the black stuff, Guinness and paid for it slapping a fifty down on the counter.

"I just want you guys to know the President pays his bartab"

The first couple were met by smiling faces, laughter and nearly everyone had a Guinness in their hand to sip. Seeing the most powerful man in the whole universe reaching out to ordinary irish folks was touching. For a moment I thought he might flash the vulcan salute. How illogical of me. The first family of America spent 3/4 of an hour meeting and greeting 4,000 folks in the crowded streets of Moneygall. The little village was totally spruced up with flags, freshly painted homes and a bust of the president in Ollies pub. One little house was even painted in the American stars and stripes!